Review of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) by Matthewakalusi — 20 Jul 2023

After 6 installments, the Mission Impossible franchise has lost none of what has had cinema goers flocking to movie theatres, for each entry since the first one was released in 1996; intriguing espionage-based plots set in exotic locations across the world, megalomaniacs, spectacular action sequences featuring Tom Cruise hurtling through streets on a bike, intense, extended car chases which include daring stunts, and mis-direction with masks.

In watching this installment, which will unfold over two parts, I get the sense that Tom Cruise is about to pass the torch to a different actor for a continuation/reboot of the Franchise, or the Mission Impossible Series of Movies is about to be ended.

The movie addresses the threat of AI (Artificial Intelligence), and may seem timely, with all the recent warnings from those who should know. I would say, though, it is a bit late to the party because movies like I-Robot (2004), Eagle Eye (2008), Ex Machina (2014), and even the animated movie Wall-E (2008) have sounded warnings about AI before now.

That said, the plot revolves around a convoluted global conspiracy with digital dimensions, involving the earlier referenced AI, which threatens mankind. Hayley Atwell is a refreshing addition to the cast, as a continent-hopping thief of international disrepute, caught up in the conspiracy.

The movie has some comedic scenes aside from those you would expect from Simon Pegg’s character. The Train scenes at the end you will thoroughly enjoy. This is a movie worth watching, every minute of it.